By Subhash K Jha

Anupam Kher who celebrates 25 years in films on May 25 with a premiere of Saraansh, couldn’t have received a better silver-jubilee gift.

On the morning of 24 May, Anupam’s international agent sent him the news that he’s part of the new Woody Allen film, to be shot in London later this year.

In a state of disbelief Anupam said, “First the amazing response to the screening of Saaransh in the afternoon, then this piece of news. To be in a Woody Allen film is a dream come true for me. Last year I worked with another international filmmaking legend Ang Lee. Now Woody Allen. What more could any actor ask for in his 25th year in the business?”

Ask Anupam about the ambit of his part on Woody’s film and he protests, “You think I care? All I know is that I play Freida Pinto’s father in the Woody Allen film. Even if it is just one shot I’d be delirious.

I’ve grown up and grown older watching Woody Allen’s cinema. And look at my kismet. Do you know the film’s cast? The Woody Allen film features the mighty Anthony Hopkins, Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts and Antonio Banderas. To be part of this vast cast is enough for me.”

Dancing with the joy of accomplishment Anupam says, “Mahesh Bhatt Saab who was present at the screening of Saaransh on Sunday afternoon got on stage at the end of the screening and announced that I had received a Woody Allen film as gift for 25 years in films.”

To share this glorious moment with Anupam at the screening of Saaransh was his brother Raju Kher, wife Kirron Kher and close friends from the industry including Rakeysh Mehra, Dibakar Bannerjee, Neeraj Pandey and David Dhawan who had edited Saaransh.

“It was very moving experience, ” says Anupam emotionally.